Prior to the first game of 2014, many believed that Joique Bell would finish the season as the better running back for the Detroit Lions. Reggie Bush might have the bigger contract, but stats favored Bell for the year ahead. After the Detroit Lions' win against the New York Giants, the boxscore proved that statement to be true, so which running back will be the better fantasy get as they continue to try and split the carries?
The Lions intend for Bell and Bush to split the running back load this season. They both offer a different skillset and Detroit is hopeful to capitalize off that. In Week 1, Bell was the better back, but can he sustain it? For fantasy purposes, Bell and Bush finished at a tie in Week 1. Bell got more carries, putting up 51 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. He averaged 3.4 yards per carry with no receptions. Bush only managed 15 yards rushing on a disappointing 1.7 yards per carry, but he did have six targets in the passing game for 49 yards. They equaled out after the first week.
Heading into Week 2, Bell is the better back to start. He will get the primary rushing load for next week and the remainder of the season. His downfield style works perfectly in the Detroit offense as he shows the ability to gain more yards after contact. Bush will get more targets in the receiving game. However, he has to split that attention with the likes of Calvin Johnson, Golden Tate and Eric Ebron. Matthew Stafford showed off a new throwing motion that proved very accurate with the deep ball as Johnson made quick work off the Giants secondary.
In Week 2, the Lions face the Carolina Panthers and their strong run defense. Bell and Bush will be challenged with their stout front seven, causing Stafford to take to the air. Clearly Johnson is a must-start in Week 2 and every week for that matter. The same advice applies for Tate. However, when it comes to the tight end position, Brandon Pettigrew actually played a lot better than Ebron. The veteran put up one catches for nine yards while the rookie was targeted twice and missed both catches. Johnson and Tate carried the receiving game which is a trend that might continue.